The first thing Sam was aware of was how quiet the world became being able to hear with both ears. He could suddenly ignore all of the ambient sounds like the whirring of the ceiling fan, the static of the television, the rumble of the traffic on the road that used to overpower the softer sounds. For the first time in his life, he could hear the soft sound of Dean breathing in and out as he leaned over Sam.

Sam sat up. "Dean?" he asked tentatively, and gasped at the sound of his voice. It sounded strange to hear it surrounding him, hearing it with both ears for the first time.

"Sammy! Can you hear me?" Dean's eyes were wide with anticipation.

"Yeah," he said tentatively, looking at Dean half surprised, half elated. "Your voice is really loud, Dean," he said as Dean pulled him to his feet.

"It will take you some time to get used to it, Sam," Cas said reservedly. "I must go now, I am needed in Heaven." He disappeared.

Sam smiled. "I understood every word he said."

Dean pulled Sam into a tight hug. "Are you crying?" Sam asked. "Goddamn angel musta gotten something in my eye," Dean sniffed.

And for one fleeting moment, the Winchesters were just fine.

A.N. Special thanks to StyxxsOmega for being my muse to finish this story.